ABOUT MINERVA

The Minerva Foundation for BC Women inspires and empowers women and girls to reach their full potential by creating opportunities and offering programs through trusted partnerships in the areas of education, leadership development, economic security and safety.

Our Vision
Connected and empowered women building stronger communities.

Objectives
The Minerva Foundation for BC Women is an independent non-profit society governed by a volunteer board.  In addressing the needs of girls and women, the objectives of the Minerva Foundation are to:

1. Address the challenges facing women in British Columbia in all of its diversity
2. Focus on four priority areas for girls and women in:
   •  Education;
   •  Leadership development;
   •  Economic security; and
   •  Safety.

Our Strategies
The Minerva Foundation for BC Women has created four key strategies:

1. Partner with business, government, service organizations, public institutions and individuals.
2. Offer programs and educational awards to develop women's full potential.
3. Offer grants to other community groups that fulfill our mission.
4. Grow our endowment fund to ensure financial sustainability of the Minerva Foundation for the long term.

Our History
In 1999 a group of concerned BC women formed the Minerva Foundation to help improve the lives of girls and women throughout the province of BC. They had a vision of a province where their daughters can feel empowered, respected and safe; where their sisters can exercise all of their talents and abilities without inhibition; and where their mothers may live their senior years as active members of the community with dignity.  This group of women, after much research, discussion and input from focus groups, began to mould what was a dream, into what has become a reality.